Guards at the Taj

A wonderfully funny and moving exploration of beauty and power, autocracy and resistance, and conflicting loyalties. Guards at the Taj centres on a hilariously relatable friendship that is tested by extreme and brutal circumstances.

Humayun and Babur are best friends and guards in Hindustani ruler Shah Jahan’s Imperial Army. They bicker, reminisce about jungle escapades, and have the dubious privilege of standing guard over the Taj Mahal the night before it is revealed to the world as the most potent personification of beauty.

At the grand opening of the Taj Mahal, the Emperor decrees that nothing more beautiful shall ever be built again. To ensure this, he orders two imperial guards to perform a horrendous task.

National Theatre of Parramatta brings Rajiv Joseph’s script to new life in this new tour. Guards at the Taj mixes witty black comedy with the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy.

Written by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Bali Padda